The Serpentina North Ensemble is a
Toronto-based, tribal bellydance troupe.

What is Tribal Bellydance?

It is a modern version of bellydance that fuses Middle Eastern dance along with classical Indian styling, flamenco, and North African dances. The posture is very strong and earthy; it has a different look and feel from what is seen as "traditional" bellydance. The costuming is very rich with layers of skirts, pantaloons, cholis and jewellery.

We perform in groups (duets, trios or larger) and it can be improvised, using a shared vocabulary of movements initiated by a visual cue (or sometimes a "yip!"), or it can be choreographed.
Our classes are geared towards good tribal posture, learning and refining tribal vocabulary so that we can enjoy being in our own skin and celebrate dancing together.

Serpentina began in 2005 with as a tribal duet in New York City with partners Joanne and Orkideh. When Orkideh emigrated to Canada in 2007, they parted ways amicably and she planned to create a tribal troupe in Toronto.

The Serpentina North Ensemble is a tribal fusion troupe. They have a foundation in Fat Chance style ATS, but also incorporate ITS from Gypsy Caravan, kathak stylings, classical Persian, cabaret, and other dance forms that inspire them.

They frequently perform in Kensington Market during Pedestrian Sunday, but have also been a part of TedX at YorkU, the International Stage at the CNE, Funkasia at Pride, The Serpentss Muse at Cues & Tattoos, and several editions of Mirage and Inversion.

The current members of the Serpentina North Ensemble are dancers Elana, Sandy, Sarah Daluah, Kelly and Wilma; they are occasionally joined by Justin, who drums in various improv numbers and sometimes with electro-fusion musician, Jim Boz.

Orkideh is the director of the Serpentina North Ensemble. Bellydance has proven to be an integral part of her life; she built upon a solid foundation and continues to train every day. She began studying American Cabaret bellydance in 2000 with Safiya in New York City. Several years into her training, she discovered tribal style and was instantly smitten. While living in New York, she also studied with Anahid Sofian, Sarah Locke and Susan Frankovich, as well as kathak with Najma Ayshah.

She is inspired by integrating other dance styles (particularly classical Indian) and seeks to continue growing as a performer, teacher, and choreographer. Orkideh continues her kathak studies in Toronto with Joanna De Souza, and takes workshops or private lessons when she can, particularly with Rachel Brice, Zoe Jakes, Ariellah Aflalo, Paulette Rees-Denis and Dalia Carella.

Bellydance gave her a positive body image and confidence in expressing herself; tribal style gave her community and camaraderie. She is inspired and excited by the community in Toronto and wants to share her enthusiasm for the art form. Orkideh became a certified ATS® teacher by Carolena Nericcio of Fat Chance Bellydance in October 2009. She is pursuing her certification in Pilates as well.

Sarah Daluah accidentally discovered belly dancing in high school through a novel by Tom Robbins, "Skinny Legs and All", and has been hooked ever since. She has extensive training in Egyptian bellydance from Habeeba's (Toronto studio) and became interested in tribal when she first saw Rachel Brice perform. The tribal aesthetic appealed to her on many levels and allowed her to dance to her music and her community. She also has a strong interest in flamenco and gypsy flavoured dances.

Elana experienced her first bellydance class at a fitness centre and immediately fell in love with the art form. She started training in traditional bellydance with Roula Said and performed with the Om Laila student troupe before joining Serpentina North Ensemble. She enjoys exploring various styles of bellydance, and finds that each teacher provides a new perspective and fresh inspiration. It was through Hadia’s Instructor Training course that Elana discovered her love of anatomy and was inspired to study the art and science of human movement and rehabilitation.

Elana is drawn to the powerful group dynamic of tribal improv and the creative expression of tribal fusion. She seeks to continually evolve as a dancer and performer, and is honoured to share the stage with the members of Serpentina North Ensemble.

Sandy first found bellydance as a teen and years later upon discovering Roula Said of Om Laila, began dancing in a more focused and devoted way. It was with the Om Laila Troupe, under the direction of Megan Shields, Sandy began her adventures in performance. And there was no going back...

Sandy loves learning tradition and aims for focused and respectful practice of middle eastern dance --as well as finding ways to intertwine that with her own artistic and spiritual exploration. Sandy has traveled to San Francisco for an authentic taste of tribal fusion --a path that led inevitably to an interest in ATS, and joining Serpentina North Ensemble. A lover of vintage dance, Sandy is a long standing dancer with the 1920's flapper troupe, the Sugar Shakers.

As co-creator and dancer with House of Shimmy, Sandy enjoys a mash up of dance styles into this theatrical go-go style bellydance project. As a soloist, Sandy's choreography is infused with a vintage flare, and inspired by collaborations with other art forms/mediums.Sandy also has a longstanding yoga practice with an interest in body based healing modalities.

Sandy has completed the Om Laila Bellydance Fundamentals Teacher Training and Basic Black Certification at the Darkside Studio. She continues to learn from local dancers, especially Roula Said, Audra Simmons and Orkideh. Sandy also continues to attend workshops with international dancers such as Rachel Brice, Mira Betz, Amy Sigil and Donna Mejia.

Dedicated to pushing her own creative boundaries, Sandy is honoured to have the pleasure and pain of dance in her life.

Kelly began performing in local musical theatre productions at the age of eight, but only began intensive dance training as an adult. Always active in choirs and theatre, Kelly was accepted to study at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City. Well versed in jazz/contemporary, tap, ballet and ballroom styles, along with singing, acting and stagecraft, Kelly travelled to California and Montreal to work on multiple projects before returning to Toronto.

Since discovering belly dance in 2010, Kelly has been training Egyptian Cabaret and Fusion style with various studios in the GTA. Always looking for new opportunities, her interest in ATS was piqued by the strong physical form and improvisational aspect within the tribal group structure. Kelly is excited to work and perform with Serpentina North.

Justin occasionally accompanies the dancers on dumbek, djembe or frame drum. He is a self-taught musician with a strong ear for picking up rhythms and a love of world music. He is also the guitarist/composer behind Toronto-based gothic band, Amy's Arms.

Winter Tribal Series with Orkideh

This mixed level series will build and refine your tribal vocabulary. We utilize movement from Fat Chance ATS®, Gypsy Caravan, and Serpentina North's own stylings for fun and dynamic group improv.

If you have a yoga mat, feel free to bring it along. We start on the floor with a pilates-based warm up.

Class attire should be leggings or dance pants and a fitted tshirt or tank top. Feel free to wear a hipscarf if you have one! We dance barefoot, but you are welcome to wear ballet slippers or other light dance shoes.

Saturday Workshops with Serpentina North

There's something wonderfully playful about skirt work, and in this workshop, Orkideh will teach various combos that can be incorporated into a fusion choreography. If you have a multi-yard skirt, bring it to this workshop, or we'll have a couple on hand to borrow. Open to those with bellydance experience (tribal or otherwise).

Flapper Fusion Workshop with Sandy Watters (3-5pm)

During this workshop, Sandy will share with you her love of vintage jazz and Charleston, and explore the ways in which it fuses with bellydance. Marrying boisterous flapper footwork with the sinewy spirals of bellydance, all to a speakeasy soundtrack of vintage jazz and electroswing  a swell way for a sassy jane to spend a Saturday. Some bellydance experience recommended.